Kenya Exclusive

For connoisseurs who appreciate the finer things in life, experience the spectacle of Africa in ways you never dreamed.

Dive into Kenya’s extraordinary natural wonders on this exclusive journey and prepare to be permanently altered. Roam world-class national parks in your private 4X4, on foot or atop a camel in search of lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard. In the evenings, relax in award-winning exclusive tented camps and lodges that offer a level of opulence that must be experienced to be believed.

With your personal guide, head for Amboseli National Park, famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants, and, if it’s a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. In Laikipia, visit the Mugie Rhino sanctuary, try your hand at river fishing, trek the expansive plains with your Samburu guide or try a camel safari. As always, the choice is up to you. Make your way to the famed Masai Mara Reserve, one of the greatest wildlife destinations on the continent, for a chance to glimpse Thompson’s gazelles, impalas, zebras and giraffe. And, for a beautiful send off, consider a hot air balloon ride as the sun dips behind the honey-colored grasses. All combined these exclusive hand-selected moments equal a journey of a lifetime.

Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.

Itinerary

Wildlife of Nairobi

Fairmont Norfolk Hotel

Day 1: Nairobi

Upon arrival into Nairobi, Kenya you will be met inside the airport by a professional airport assistant upon disembarking your flight. You will then be escorted through passport control, assisted with immigration and baggage reclaim, and on to your waiting transport for your onward journey.

This is a concierge service designed to take care of all airport formalities so you can look forward to a completely stress-free airport experience.

While you are in the care of Kensington Tours, your safety and security are our number one priority. As such, in the unlikely event of serious illness or injury, all Kensington Tours clients are covered by “Flying Doctors” Insurance policy. This emergency evacuation insurance covers the cost of the evacuation flight back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance policy however DOES NOT cover the cost of any medical treatment received. We highly recommend travel insurance for full coverage.

A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer between the hotel and airport. After your guide has loaded up your luggage you will be driven through Nairobi admiring some of the sights (time permitting). Your guide will brief you on your itinerary en-route.

Accommodation: Fairmont Norfolk Hotel

Amboseli

Tortilis Camp

Day 2: Nairobi - Amboseli

Sweeping across the Kenya-Tanzania border, the savannah grassland of Amboseli National Park is your playground for the day. This morning you’ll meet with your guide and set out into the park for a chance to share the terrain with some of the world’s most elusive animals. You have the option to do your game viewing either before or after check-in, so call upon the knowledge of your expert guide for their recommendation based on your arrival time and park hours.

This afternoon you’ll meet with your guide and head into Amboseli National Park. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants among other wildlife species, and its other attractions include opportunities to meet the Masai Tribe’s people. On a clear day, you’ll also have spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Accommodation: Tortillis Camp

Elephant March

Elephants

Day 3: Amboseli

This morning you will meet up with your guide for your game drive through Amboseli. Famous for its great herds of Elephants. The African elephants are distinguished from Asian elephants in several ways, the most noticeable being their ears which are much larger. The African elephant is typically larger than the Asian elephant and has a concave back. Both African males and females have external tusks and are usually less hairy than their Asian cousins. The elephant's gestation period is 22 months, the longest of any land animal. At birth it is common for an elephant calf to weigh 120 kilograms (260 lb).

This afternoon you’ll meet with your guide and head into Amboseli National Park. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants among other wildlife species, and its other attractions include opportunities to meet the Masai Tribe’s people. On a clear day, you’ll also have spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Accommodation: Tortillis Camp

Lewa Conservancy

Tent

Day 4: Amboseli - Nairobi - Lewa Conservancy

If time allows, your expert guide will be fitting in one more game drives before dropping you off at the airstrip. It will be your last chance to see the park's diverse range of animals.

Sit back and relax during this short flight departing the Amboseli Airport to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya today. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. On all services the luggage allowance is 15 kilos in soft bags. This allowance shall include all hand baggage.

Take your flight from Nairobi to Lewa Downs today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hr. On all services the luggage allowance is 15 kilos in soft bags. This allowance shall include all hand baggage.

Fantastic views of distant mountain ranges and a beautiful backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kenya provide a perfect setting for game drives and bush walks.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has a huge variety of wildlife with over 70 different species of mammal. There are roughly equal numbers of black and white rhino – at the latest count there were 65 black and 46 white. The world's largest concentration of the endangered Grevy zebra resides on Lewa as well as elephant, buffalo, greater kudu, oryx, lion, leopard and cheetah amongst many other mammal species.

The Conservancy is teeming with birdlife with over 350 species across the diverse topography which includes rolling open plains, hills and kopjes, thick forest, valleys, escarpments, wetlands and rivers.

Accommodation: Lewa Safari Camp

Lewa Safari Camp Camel Rides

Day 5: Lewa Conservancy

Guests at Lewa Safari Camp can enjoy a number of great optional activities at an extra cost. These include spa treatments such as massages, manicures and pedicures. Also Lewa Safari Camp offers evening horse rides where you can get very close to plains game as they see you as one of their own. Horse riding is for experienced riders only. Also offered is evening camel rides. It is less elegant than horseriding, but suitable for those without riding skills, the camels are led by Samburu handlers and it is picturesque experience.

Fantastic views of distant mountain ranges and a beautiful backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kenya provide a perfect setting for game drives and bush walks.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has a huge variety of wildlife with over 70 different species of mammal. There are roughly equal numbers of black and white rhino – at the latest count there were 65 black and 46 white. The world's largest concentration of the endangered Grevy zebra resides on Lewa as well as elephant, buffalo, greater kudu, oryx, lion, leopard and cheetah amongst many other mammal species.

The Conservancy is teeming with birdlife with over 350 species across the diverse topography which includes rolling open plains, hills and kopjes, thick forest, valleys, escarpments, wetlands and rivers.

Accommodation: Lewa Safari Camp

Masai

Cottar's 1920s Camp

Day 6: Lewa Conservancy - Masai Mara

A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

Take this scheduled flight from Lewa Conservancy to Masai Mara. This flight takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. On all services the luggage allowance is 15 kilos in soft bags. This allowance shall include all hand baggage.

A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

Head out in the afternoon on a game drive with others at the lodge. Drives typically head out around 4 p.m. when the game is becoming more active and emerging out from shade as the hot sun descends. See if you can spot a herd of elephants as they approach watering holes and rivers to cool down with a drink and mud bath.

Elephants are the largest living land animals on Earth today. When pregnant, an elephant's gestation period is 22 months, the longest of any land animal. At birth, an elephant calf typically weighs 105 kilograms (230 lb)!! They typically live for 50 to 70 years, but the oldest recorded elephant lived for 82 years. The smallest elephants, about the size of a calf or a large pig, were a prehistoric species that lived on the island of Crete. Aristotle once said the elephant was "the beast which passeth all others in wit and mind." The word "elephant" has its origins in the Greek word ἐλέφας, meaning "ivory" or "elephant". Today African elephants are the largest of their species. Healthy adult elephants have no natural predators, although lions may take calves or weak individuals. They are, however, threatened by human intrusion and poaching.

Accommodation: Cottar`s 1920s Camp

Giraffe

Masai Mara Balloon

Lion

Day 7: Masai Mara

Today you will set out on the early morning game drive with your expert guide from your lodge. The Masai Mara Park will offer you a diverse range of animals. The park is home to the Big Five (Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard) and numerous other antelopes including Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles, Impalas, Topics, Hartebeest, Zebra and Masai Giraffe. It's also home to over 450 species of birdlife; among them are vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles and African pygmy-falcons.

Sign up for optional activities (not included in tour price); guided nature walk, hot air balloon ride, cultural tours and more. You can also arrange to volunteer for the day at Mara West and pay any associated fees directly on-site. Volunteer activities range from individual to community projects.

This afternoon's game viewing will be exciting as you are searching for game with your guide and others from the lodge. Today keep your eyes open for giraffe.

The giraffe is the tallest living terrestrial animal in the world. Its specific name refers to its camel-like face and patches of color on a light background, which bears a vague resemblance to a leopard's spots. The giraffe is also noted for its extremely long neck and legs and prominent horns. It stands 5–6 m (16–20 f) tall and has an average weight of 1,200 kg (2,600 lb) for males and 830 kg (1,800 lb) for females. The giraffe's scattered range extends from Chad in the north to South Africa in the south and from Niger in the west to Somalia in the east. Giraffes usually inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. They prefer areas with plenty of acacia trees, which are important food sources, and can browse at heights that most other herbivores cannot reach. While adults are nearly invulnerable to predation, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas and wild dogs prey on baby calves. Giraffes commonly gather together to eat or socialize for a few hours and then roam off to graze separately. Males establish social hierarchies through "neckings," which are combat bouts where the neck is used as a weapon and they butt their necks against each other. Dominant males gain mating access to females, who bear the sole responsibility for raising the young.

Accommodation: Cottar`s 1920s Camp

Lion Cubs: The Prince's of Masai Mara

Leopard

Day 8: Masai Mara

Early this morning you will meet up with others at the lodge for your game drive. Drives are typically done in the morning at 6:30 a.m. for a few hours. See if you can spot the elusive leopard.

The smallest of the four "big cats," the leopard was once distributed across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its range of distribution has decreased radically because of hunting and loss of habitat. It is now chiefly found in sub-Saharan Africa. Because of its declining range and population, it is listed as a "Near Threatened" species. Compared to other members of the Felidae family, the leopard has relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. It is similar in appearance to the jaguar, but is smaller and more slightly built. The species' success in the wild is in part due to its opportunistic hunting behavior, its adaptability to habitats, its ability to run at speeds approaching 58 kilometres per hour (36 mph), its unequaled ability to climb trees even when carrying a heavy carcass, and its notorious ability for stealth. The leopard consumes virtually any animal that it can hunt down and catch. These stealthy animals are one of the prized sightings you may see in Masai Mara.

Your expert guide will meet you and other guests at your lodge for an afternoon game viewing drive in and around Masai Mara. See if you can spot lions in the park today. Lions live for 10-14 years in the wild. They typically inhabit savannah and grassland, although they may take to bush and forest. Lions are unusually social compared to other cats. A pride of lions consists of related females and offspring and a small number of adult males. Groups of female lions typically hunt together. Highly distinctive, the male lion is easily recognised by its mane, and its face is one of the most widely recognised animal symbols in human culture.

The lion (Panthera leo) is one of the four big cats, 3 of which are found in Africa - lion, leopard, cheetah. With some males exceeding 250 kg (550 lb) in weight, lions are the second-largest living cat after the tiger. Until about 10,000 years ago, the lion was the most widespread large land mammal after humans. They were found in most of Africa, across Eurasia from Western Europe to India, and in the Americas from the Yukon to Peru. However, the lion is a vulnerable species, having seen a possibly irreversible population decline of thirty to fifty percent over the past two decades in its African range. Outside of designated reserves and national parks, you will rarely, if ever, see a lion. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are currently the greatest causes of concern. Reserves have helped to boost the lion population and help to bring back their numbers.

Accommodation: Cottar`s 1920s Camp

Day 9: Masai Mara - Nairobi

A representative from your lodge will pick you up and transfer you between the lodge and airstrip.

This short domestic flight departs from Masai Mara and arrives at Wilson Airport in Nairoba, Kenya today. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. On all services, the luggage allowance is 15 kilos in soft bags. This allowance shall include all hand baggage.

A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer between the hotel and airport. After your guide has loaded up your luggage you will be driven through Nairobi admiring some of the sights (time permitting). Your guide will brief you on your itinerary en-route.

Stop by Palacina's Moonflower Restaurant and Lounge for a three-course a'la carte meal. Take advantage of the free wireless internet connection and lounge before catching your flight tonight. Consistently rated among the top dining establishments in Nairobi, The Moonflower embodies the finest of Kenyan cuisine & hospitality. The subtle fusion of Mediterranean & Swahili cultures is evident in the contemporary menu featuring the very best of Kenyan produce. The Moonflower is a 50-seat a' la Carte restaurant featuring a live Jazz band as well as background Jazz music. You will receive a transfer to the airport after dinner.

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

Fairmont Norfolk Hotel

Fairmont Norfolk Hotel - Nairobi

The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel is situated in the centre of the bustling city of Nairobi, in Kenya, and has grown over time with the city. Surrounded by private tropical gardens, the 165 guest rooms and suites are comfortable and with all the necessities of home. Dining is offered at a number of onsite restaurants, and the breakfast buffet is especially delightful. Spend some time getting to know the city, and then escape to the tranquility of the hotel. At your pleasure enjoy the wonderful swimming pool facilities, the health club and a relaxing spa.

Tortillis Camp - Amboseli

The Tortilis Camp, set up in the centre of Amboseli National Park, is an extraordinary model of the level of opulence that can be reached by camps. An award-winning ecotourism lodge, the Tortilis Camp is built of 17 tents structured on raised wooden platforms. Each is accompanied by private bathrooms with rich hot spring water flowing from the veins of the landscape. The views here are unsurpassed, with elephants and other wildlife passing en masse. The campsite makes for lively dining, as animals stroll past with Kilimanjaro rising in the background. Meals are fresh and succulent, with vegetables and herbs gathered from the camp’s garden. Besides interacting with the surroundings, there is a swimming pool and an abundance of tours and bush walks.

Lewa Safari Camp - Lewa Conservancy

Lewa Safari Camp places exceptional emphasis on the earth and surroundings. The safari camp manages to relay its plans for a genuine relationship between man and his peers and the wildlife some of us have never before encountered. The camp sleeps 26 guests in its 12 tented rooms. Meals are taken in the dining tent and occasionally in the bush, with the most luscious of homegrown fruits and vegetables accompanied by tender meats. Take advantage of the in depth knowledge offered by hosts, who will share their expertise and understanding of this environment. Try something different and enjoy the region’s breeze while on a horse and camel safari.

Cottar's 1920s Camp - Masai Mara

Cottar’s Camp is an intimate family built camp located in a private reserve near the Masai Mara National Park, in Kenya. With eighty years of Safari service, the Cottar family leads you by the hand in exploring this diverse landscape. The camp provides tents guests in a relaxing setting built with a 1920's antique charm. Dining consists of local bush cuisine, often taken beside the waterfalls or on game drives. The outdoor veranda offers a stunning view of the surroundings and the opportunity to take a bush bath and perhaps a massage on the doorstep of this backdrop is swoon-worthy. This area has been untouched by any kind of tourism and offers privacy and an abundance of wildlife.

Map

Reviews

Africa
Sachi Gowda ,
December 15, 2014"We are extremely happy with your service from beginning to end and we had very a memorable trip."

Africa
Ronald Jones ,
December 12, 2014"I cannot express how fabulous our trip was!! I know it was made that way thanks to ALL the kind, knowledgable, and helpful people that you all placed in our path. Many went above and beyond to make our experience even more positive. From drivers, to guides, to hotel staff---we met some wonderful people that we can now call friends. Thank you Christine and Kensington tours for this once in a lifetime African adventure!"

Africa
RonJones ,
December 15, 2014"Christine, our family trip was ALL we wanted it to be. The hotel accommodations in the cities were GREAT. We needed to make some room assignment adjustments but that's to be expected with a large family with children and same names.
I don't know where/how ya'll got those guides but...KEEP'EM! In both Cape Town and Joberg the guys knew their cities and environs excellently. Their English was very good...so good in fact that several got the sarcasm and even joked some. I do apologize if we over-tipped. I relied on each family to tip their own driver but, I wasn't sure of their "sense of what was right" so I followed up with something for each.
Simbavati was "PERFECT". As much as Glenda and I really liked Ngala, I do not think they could have handled a family as well...UNLESS, they had accommodations we did not see.
Please rest assured when ever I plan to travel on a multi-dimensional trip in the future, for sure with a group, or maybe just Glenda and I, I'll be calling Kensington... Christine and Donna specifically. And most definitely, anytime I can recommend a travel professional, your company and you two will be mentioned by name!
Thank you again Christine...you presented us the exact trip we dreamed about for our family and your folks on the ground made it happen! I sincerely hope you, Donna and everyone else involved have a most Blessed Christmas and a wonderful, successful New Year!"

Africa
Bruce Lundstrom ,
December 15, 2014"Morocco has a lot to offer. Food, historic sites, craftsmen (rugs, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, etc.), natural beauty, roads and infrastructure, and a reasonably safe environment. Both Guide (Abdel) and Driver were excellent. Service-oriented, timely and easy going. Abdel was not afraid to speak his mind, offer suggestions and give us feedback on ideas. We enjoyed their company."

Africa
AlbertLind ,
December 09, 2014"A truly wonderful trip......first class accommodations and service in each venue....the guides were knowledgable and went out of their way to insure that we could see and understand Africa. Capetown is a fascinating city, Sabi Sands an extraordinary private game preserve, and Zimbabwe with Victoria Falls and the Victoria Falls Hotel a once in a lifetime experience. For those who want to visit Africa we enthusiastically recommend Kensington Tours. And Jolene Plant stayed with us in every step during the planning of our trip and itinerary. We saw as much of Africa as much as anyone can during our two weeks vacation."

Africa
Belinda Skelton ,
December 12, 2014"This was one of the most amazing trips that I have ever had. The custom tours and activities exceeded my expectations. I was traveling alone but felt safe and in good hands. The process of booking the trip with Lily Baffour was so easy and personal, especially with the constant communications from her up to my departure. Thank you Kensington Tours for an awesome experience. I will definitely use you for my next adventure!"

Africa
NancyGarret ,
December 12, 2014"Our week-long tour in Morocco went without a hitch in the company of a great driver and knowledgeable guide who were always prompt, courteous, helpful, and very nice. Kensington Tours' picks for our overnight accommodations were excellent, as well as the excursions planned for us. We're grateful to our conscientious agent, Lily, who went out of her way to make us feel welcome in Morocco. We feel confident that we are in very capable hands whenever we travel with Kensington Tours. "

Africa
KarenKuwahara ,
December 12, 2014"Our trip was a perfect 10 - exceeding all expectations! Starting with Christine Willner's attentiveness to our wish list and balancing it to our budget, every leg and element of our journey took place without so much as a hiccup. We were blown away by the quality of our tours, accommodations and guides. Thank you for giving us a great experience and wonderful memories!"

Africa
Rebecca Warren ,
August 02, 2014"My 26 year old daughter recently traveled alone to Madagascar using Kensington tours. I was a little concerned about her safety and wanted to make sure that she would be well taken care of. Kensington was great from start to finish. Our travel agent, Marc Sisson, put together the tour in very short order with very little notice, had no problem doing it for just one person, and gave me a sense of security that my daughter would be well cared for. She did the Anjajavy 5 Day Beach extension. The tour guide who picked her up at the airport in the capitol city was outstanding -- very knowledgeable and helpful. The Anjajavy hotel was extraordinary. Her pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. She kayaked, swam in the ocean and saw lemurs feeding. She got to practice her French with the outstanding hotel manager and otherwise was able to just relax and unwind. She described the experience as "visiting Eden." I highly recommend Kensington. I contacted a number of tour/travel agencies and none of them compared to Kensington. "

Africa
Shayna Maislin ,
April 21, 2014"I would highly recommend the tour guide that we had in the Serengetti . He was extremely knowledgeable, very helpful and courteous. We all agree that Kensington has first class staff working for them in Africa. All the camps that we stayed at were absolutely beautiful except perhaps for the one in Lake Manyara. All in all it was a spectacular trip!"